One by one, disabled men find a friend in Midnight. The picture they receive has them captivated and they fall for the luscious beauty. One by one, each man meets with death-and one woman collects each and every insurance policy. Now, injured police officer Martin has met Midnight. He has her number though and it is a race to see who will win. Will Midnight finally be caught or will yet another man meet his final destiny?

Vivian Zabel has woven a psychological thriller that will have everyone who uses a computer wondering just who is connected with the name and face on the other end. Her knowledge of the inner workings of both the detective and killer minds is incredible. The characters were very well developed and dialog true-to-life.

Skillfully woven clues will lead you through this story, giving you a chance to discover Midnight's identity as the detectives do. I found myself so involved in the book that I read for several hours straight, something I rarely do. Ms. Zabel's writing flows smoothly, yet at a pace that keeps pulling you forward. This is definitely a "just one more chapter" book.The ending leaves you satisfied-yet anticipating. This is a combination found rarely in today's mysteries of cut-and-dried endings. I was pleasantly surprised that there is still an author out there that leaves me actually hoping for a sequel.

Rules: 1. Each person who comments on a blog stop receives one entry. For example, if a person leaves a comment on four blog stops, he has four entries.

2. Each person who purchases a copy of Midnight Hours from the 4RV Store (http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Store.html) or directly from the author receives fifteen (15) entries per purchase. Since we cannot receive notification from other places in time, we need people to use the publisher's store.

A person may have entries from a purchase and from leaving comments.

An email address will be needed to notify the winner and to send the gift certificate.

November 5, a random drawing will be held using a program online to choose a winner. I will notify the winner by email and will post the result on my blogs at Vivian's Site and Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap.

Everyone who comments and/or purchases a book needs to sent an email to president@4rvpublishingllc.com with the answer to the question,"When does Midnight meet Martin on the online game site?"

3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

My family: my husband of over 46 years, three living children, ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and another on the way.

4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.

I have one funny faced tabby cat, named Funny Face. He thinks he owns me, and has for over seven years. He also is my attack cat. He growls if anyone is in the yard that shouldn't be. If my husband isn't home, and I try to go outside after dark, Funny Face stays by my side yowling until I go back inside. A dog come toward me outside, no matter how large, and Funny will try to attack him.

5. What is your most precious memory?

Only one? Not fair. Should I choose holding my first born in my arms? Or my second or third or the few moments with my fourth, so tiny and whose life was so short? Maybe the first grandchild or the others who came? Ah, the great-grandchildren.

But none of those would have been possible without the moment when I walked down the aisle toward the man who thought me so beautiful, who loved me so much that he still sees me through eyes blinded by that love.

6. What is your most embarrassing memory?

Oh, I wrote a story about that, titled "Crazy-woman Dance." I was pregnant with my fourth child and on the way to my oldest child's kindergarten Christmas program. I had taken the dress I wore and the coat from the cleaner's plastic bag (it was the first cold time that year, after Thanksgiving, unusual) to wear that night.

On the drive from the house to where the program would be held, I made the statement that I was going crazy.

As we exited the car, something sharp circled my middle, racing around and around where my waist would have normally been. I wiggled, jiggled, and squirmed as I stood on the sidewalk. People stopped and stared, including my husband and children. Suddenly a mouse plopped on the ground between my feet and rushed off into the bushes.

I suppose if I weren't a writer I'd be bored. Of course I'd probably still be a publisher. I'm a glutton for punishment.

8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Trying to get rid of me already? Huh. Vivian Zabel gave all she had to her family, her students, her friends, the authors and illustrators from her company. When nothing was left, her spirit joined God.

Rules: 1. Each person who comments on a blog stop receives one entry. For example, if a person leaves a comment on four blog stops, he has four entries.

2. Each person who purchases a copy of Midnight Hours from the 4RV Store (http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Store.html) or directly from the author receives fifteen (15) entries per purchase. Since we cannot receive notification from other places in time, we need people to use the publisher's store.

A person may have entries from a purchase and from leaving comments.

An email address will be needed to notify the winner and to send the gift certificate.

November 5, a random drawing will be held using a program online to choose a winner. I will notify the winner by email and will post the result on my blogs at Vivian's Site and Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap.

Everyone who comments and/or purchases a book needs to sent an email to president@4rvpublishingllc.com with the answer to the question,"When does Midnight meet Martin on the online game site?"

Talking With Midnight and MartinTopic: Character Interviews
Today I have two special guest, Midnight and Martin--the main players in Midnight Hours. Enjoy this rare opportunity to get to know these characters.

1. Can you tell us your name and the title of the book you live in?

Martin: I'm Lieutenant Martin Rogers. I helped Vivian Gilbert Zabel write Midnight Hours, aided her in her search for the answers to the mystery of Midnight.

Midnight: What are you talking about? Midnight Hours is about me. You're just lucky you're still alive. Just wait. Just wait.

2. Describe to our readers what your role in the book is.

Martin: My role, and my team's, is to find Midnight and stop the serial murders. But Midnight ... the search leads to one dead end after another.

Midnight: I wonder why. Think it might because I'm smarter than you, maybe? Oh, yes, I do believe that's the truth.

3. How did you convince your author to put you in this book? For example, did you visit a dream or make yourself known some other way?

Martin: I "visited" with Vivian and let her see the struggles I faced. She discovered my Internet relationship with Midnight. She didn't approve, but she trusted me to come to my senses sooner or later. She had more faith in me than my friends, who at least acknowledged that I needed some way to escape the pain and frustration cause by the slow recovery from a gunshot wound effecting the use of my legs.

Midnight: Let's just say I was her darkest nightmare.

4. Is your author easy to work with or controlling?

Martin: Actually she was rather easy to work with. She let me have my say in most cases, but she's a stickler for correct grammar and all that unless someone is talking.

She also didn't like us using too much profanity, but I don't use much, well, not too much, anyway.

Midnight: She let me have my way, and then she destroyed my plans. She's fortunate that I can't get my garrote on her neck.

5. Would you tell us about one of your favorite friends from this book?

Martin: My best friends are Frank and Kyle. We attended the academy together. Then, well, Lisa came into my life, indirectly due to Midnight.

Midnight: Friends? You gotta be joking. Friends are for jerks, or to be used.

6. Do you plan on appearing in another book or are you happy to be where you are?

Martin: I'm working on that. Lisa and I have more story to share, as do Frank and Kyle. And there is always suspense and mystery around detectives and an assistant district attorney.

Midnight: One never knows, does one. Remember it is darkest before dawn.

Midnight: Aw, h-(Vivian slaps hand over mouth). Okay, okay, but he's so goody, goody, makes me sick. I'm the one people need to remember. I'm the one who gets rid of the worthless trash. Me!

8. Did you learn anything during your adventure in this book?

Martin: I learned to beware of Internet relationships and to be wary of anyone who comes on too strong but won't give any information about herself.

Midnight: Ha! Only some good breaks for Rogers and some bad ones for me keeps him alive, but he's on my list. I can't let him win. I won't.

9. Is there anything you would like to have done but your author stopped you?

Martin: Well, uh, she gave me a rather strict sense of honor. A little more ... Nah.

Midnight: Do you really think she could keep me from doing whatever I want? Not likely.

Martin: Oh, really? Wait until people read the book and see what you do and don't do.

10. Here's your chance to speak your mind. What do you want to tell everybody?

Martin: Everyone needs to find out how vicious Midnight was, how malicious and manipulative. Evil comes in many forms, and according to her photo, her form was one to catch any man's interest - until he died.

11. Please tell everyone where they can find out more about your story and where they can purchase it.

1. Each person who comments on a blog stop receives one entry. For example, if a person leaves a comment on four blog stops, he has four entries.

2. Each person who purchases a copy of Midnight Hours from the 4RV Store (http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Store.html) or directly from the author receives fifteen (15) entries per purchase. Since we cannot receive notification from other places in time, we need people to use the publisher's store.

A person may have entries from a purchase and from leaving comments.

An email address will be needed to notify the winner and to send the gift certificate.

November 5, a random drawing will be held using a program online to choose a winner. I will notify the winner by email and will post the result on my blogs at Vivian's Site and Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap.

Over the next few days, I am honored to say we will be visiting with Vivian Zabel, author of the book, Midnight Hours. Doesn't this sound excellent:

While struggling to recover from a debilitating gunshot wound, homicide lieutenant Martin Rogers discovers an online "interest" may be a serial killer, responsible for the death of several disabled men.

Martin’s interest changes from that of a man for a woman to the interest of a homicide detective for a suspect when Midnight attaches a photo of herself to an email – identical to that of one folded in the pocket of a dead paraplegic. Confusion reigns when an Assistant District Attorney is discovered to be the unknowing model for the face in the photo.

Lt. Rogers and friends set up a sting to capture Midnight, but she disappears like wisps of fog. Every lead results in dead ends and more confusion. Midnight brings death on the internet. Preying on helpless men, she offers love but gives them a grave, but who and what is Midnight?

Martin must find this killer before she can add him to her list of victims.

Let's meet the author:

Vivian Zabel (aka Vivian Gilbert Zabel and V. Gilbert Zabel) started writing when a child. She told friends that someday she would write a novel, but their laughter didn’t deter her ambition.

While teaching for 27 years, she couldn’t carve enough time from her days to write a book, but she wrote poetry, short stories, and articles, which were published. After leaving teaching and entering the writing field full time, she finished two young adult and three adult novels.

A lover of mysteries since she discovered Nancy Drew, Vivian always wanted to write one. Finally, she conquered her tendency to hurry to the end, jumping over needed leads and red-herrings, and created her first suspense/thriller novel, Midnight Hours.

Vivian lives in Edmond, Oklahoma with her husband of over 46 years. Her interests, besides writing, include her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and reading.

Rules: 1. Each person who comments on a blog stop receives one entry. For example, if a person leaves a comment on four blog stops, he has four entries.

2. Each person who purchases a copy of Midnight Hours from the 4RV Store (http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Store.html) or directly from the author receives fifteen (15) entries per purchase. Since we cannot receive notification from other places in time, we need people to use the publisher's store.

A person may have entries from a purchase and from leaving comments.

An email address will be needed to notify the winner and to send the gift certificate.

November 5, a random drawing will be held using a program online to choose a winner. I will notify the winner by email

In our daily lives, each of us incorporates our rational “knowings” and our intuitive “knowings” into a wholistic matrix that helps us make sense of our world. It’s likely that each of us leans a little more toward one way or the other type of knowing depending on personal preference.

The phrases “rational scientist” and “intuitive practitioner” are used extensively throughout The Sage Age. These are not mutually exclusive types of people. Rather, they represent schools of thought in perception and focus. For example, “rational scientist” refers to those who primarily make use of the intellect in the methodical investigation of reality. The term “intuitive practitioner” refers to those who primarily use a supersensible means of perception in a wholistic investigation of reality. In other words, they use senses other than the five associated with the tangible world. The term “intuitive” is a little different than the word “spirituality” in an important way. The intuitive arts are concerned with the esoteric sciences meaning that they deal primarily with the investigation of metaphysics in a methodical manner. Spirituality, on the other hand, is personal and subjective and focuses on how each person relates to everything in accordance with their beliefs.

At this point in history we have the opportunity to combine all ways of knowing to understand informed energy in an entirely new way thereby resolving many of the dilemmas we face today. The Sage Age highlights the information that each way of knowing brings and blends them into new models for new thought.

How do you combine your rational and intuitive knowings to form a wholistic view?

Einstein and His Famous Equation

When most people hear the name Einstein, the next thought is usually his famous equation, E=mc2. Believe it or not, Einstein’s Nobel Prize was not awarded for this revolutionary discovery, but for his lesser known paper on the Photo-Electric Effect also published in the same year. A good deal of the confusion about Relativity Theory is that most folks think it is one theory. It is actually three different ideas submitted in three different papers. The equation showing the relationship of energy to mass can be found in an addendum he submitted three months after publishing the Special Theory of Relativity in 1905. He began work on the General Theory of Relativity in 1907 and finished it in 1915. With it, he added the effects of gravity to his original equations and revolutionized how we view the makeup of the universe. And then there’s the confusion about that light speed squared business. What’s that all about?

Einstein’s first paper was titled “On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies.” This eventually became known as the Theory of Special Relativity. It dealt primarily with how space and time were related, showing that they were actually two descriptions of the same phenomenon known as 4D spacetime. (A description of spacetime and how it differs from 3D space with an added element of time can be found in my article titled “Dimensions.”) It also explained the time dilation between objects which were moving near the speed of light and those that were moving very slow compared to the speed of light.

The paper showed time to be relative to its frame of reference. For example, if you and a buddy are standing in the aisle of a moving jet and tossing a ball back and forth, the two of you seem to be still and the ball seems to be moving at a normal, slow rate of speed. But, to an observer on the ground the ball, you, your friend, and the jet are all moving at 200 mph. The plane provides you with a different frame of reference than the one the observer on the ground has. Both Galileo and Newton understood this concept and called it an “inertial frame.” Einstein enlarged the inertial frame by stating that everything including you, the jet and the observer on the ground were all moving at speeds far below that of light. When one of the objects in the scenario gets ramped up to light speed, everything changes.

Because of this, no one observer had a privileged frame of reference. In other words, if an event happened and was observed in two different spatial locations, the event might appear to have happened simultaneously to one observer and as two separate events to another observer. The different perspectives were due to each observer’s motion in relation to the event. Therefore, both observations would be correct to each observer respectively. It would be impossible for either observer to claim they saw the event the “right” way.

Just as Einstein’s first paper showed that space and time were two descriptions of one phenomenon, similarly, the addendum to this paper showed that energy and mass were also two descriptions of one phenomenon. Energy and mass are not equal, as is often misquoted. They are intra-convertible. A very small amount of mass can be exchanged for a very large amount of energy, as demonstrated by experiments in atomic and nuclear physics. It’s considered one of the most elegant formulas in all of physics because a few characters demonstrate the complex concepts found in the original equation which is big enough to fill a blackboard.

Einstein applied this equation to whether or not an object of mass, any mass, could be accelerated to the speed of light. That’s also were the c2 part of the equation comes into play. The whole thing is about speed, not light. Let’s roll a rock to see how that works. It’s a rather large rock, so it takes a good deal of energy to get it rolling. The energy from that initial push is now stored in the rock as kinetic energy, which it dissipates as it rolls. Any additional pushes just store more kinetic energy than the can dissipate and now it has velocity. So, when we want to stop the rock from rolling, we have to absorb the extra energy it contains. The kinetic energy is proportional to the speed squared. So, if you give the rock twice the energy it can disperse, it will take four times as much energy to stop it from rolling (twice the energy squared is four times the energy). In Einstein’s equation, c represents the speed of light, emphasis placed on the word “speed.” His famous equation then, is the ratio of the energy required to move a mass proportional to the speed of light squared.

Dancing to the Same Score--an excerpt from The Sage AgeTopic: Blog Tours

Today I have the pleasure of sharing with you an excerpt from The Sage Age. I hope you find it enjoyable.

Dancing to the Same Score

One of the most famous experiments in physics is a simple yet profound example of the dual nature of light. It is called the “two-slit experiment.” It was first conducted by English polymath, Thomas Yong around 1800 and validated the wave theory of light, overturning Newton’s corpuscular ideas. Neils Bohr used it to develop the Principle of Complementarity showing that light was both a particle and a wave and no description of light was complete without referencing both. It was also at the heart of Einstein’s famous thought experiment called the EPR Paradox, designed to show the incompleteness of quantum theory. One of the most intriguing aspects of the experiment is that you find exactly what you expect to find. It validates light as both a particle and a wave. How can this be? Well, that is the very question physicists have been trying to answer for over 200 years.

The experiment is very simple. A steady laser beam of light is aimed at a target. Two devices with slits which can be individually opened or closed are placed side by side in the path of the light beam. When only one slit is open, all of the light travels through it and hits a target on the other side of the slit in a bullet fashion. This demonstrates the particle nature of light. When both slits are open, the pattern on the target looks exactly like waves which are interfering with one another. The most puzzling thing is that these same patterns emerge when the light is sent in a steady stream or when one photon is released at a time.

There are two main conclusions which physicists have drawn from this experiment. The first is that you find what you are seeking. If you set up the experiment with one slit to detect particles, that’s what is produced on the target. If you set up the experiment to detect waves, that will be the pattern produced regardless if it is a steady stream of light or one photon at a time.

As physicists attempted to come to grips with these results, some exotic theories arose. Some called into play the hidden variables found in entanglement experiments. Others suggested that each particle somehow “knows” beforehand which path to take so that it mysteriously cooperated with all of the other particles yet to be fired. Einstein even suggested a pilot wave ahead of the particle that served to guide it.

Physicist David Bohm developed a most intriguing theory. He described the two-slit experiment as photons dancing to a musical score. The score came from what he called the Seamless Whole which acted as a pool of information. This Whole included the physicist, the laser, the photons within the laser beam, the slits and the target, or measuring device. After the experiment was set up by the physicist, all elements of it became known to the Whole. For example, the conditions under which the experiment would be conducted was one element in the overall pool of information in the entire system. If the experiment were set up with one slit open to detect particles, that condition became a “known” element in the entire system. The photons then, simply went along with that information. In other words, they danced to that music. When the experimental conditions were changed, i.e., when the music changed, the photons simply did another dance in accordance. The photons didn’t have to have prior knowledge of anything nor was an observer necessary.

Prior to the introduction of Bohm’s theory, all of quantum physics had been absorbed in determining the state of a system in the present and the prediction of how that system would be in the future. This description was muddled in murky probabilities. Bohm’s theory described the genuine motion of particles over time, not just the probability of where any one would be at any one time. This solidified the idea that the universe must be seen as a whole system and that anything which can be said of its individual elements at any one instance is only a partial description at best. Bohm’s theories eventually came to be referred to as Bohmian Mechanics.

One of the interesting features of the two-slit experiment is that it allows a thing to be realized in two different ways. But, our daily experience would lead us to believe the words of Gertrude Stein in that “A rose, is a rose, is a rose.” We can accumulate different sensations of it by looking at it, smelling it and even touching it, but alas, it remains a rose. But, the two-slit experiment demonstrates a thing becoming a wave. That’s like a door knob turning into a sound depending on how you observe it. The entire concept is mind-boggling. Of such things, Heisenberg said, “What we learn about is not nature itself, but nature exposed to our methods of questioning.” Perhaps someday we will have a broader concept of nature that will give the two-slit experiment a fitting context so that we can better understand the question we are asking of it.

Today I want to share with you the Chapter Summaries and Table of Contents for The Sage Age. I hope this will allow you to get a taste of the wealth of information MaAnna Stephenson has included withing these pages.

Chapter 1 - The Body Antenna Explores the physical body as an antenna system and how using ritual body postures and breathing techniques helps tune that antenna. It also includes a description of how broadcast and receiving antennas work and compares them to how the body functions

Chapter 2 - The Physical Body Transceiver Examines the body’s crystal lattice system, which includes the bones and compares them to the shape and makeup of antennas. It also delivers new vibrational models, which demonstrate how the body communicates internally all the way down to cellular level. Included is a section on the electromagnetic light fields of the heart and brain and how they provide the power and transmission signal of the body antenna

Chapter 3 - The Energy Bodies Explores the types of information that are broadcast and received by the physical body and through the energetic subtle bodies. Descriptions of the meridian and chakra systems are given as well as the characteristics of the individual subtle energy bodies. A section on morphogenetic fields describes where the vibrational information for these systems resides.

Chapter 4 - The Mind-Body Antenna Delves into the mind-body antenna system and explores the power of thought, the existence of thought-forms and healing with intention. It also covers altered states of awareness including how such states are purposely used for healing, precognition and shamanic practice

Chapter 4 - The Mind-Body AntennaThoughtThe War of the WorldsThought-formsPSI ResearchPEAR Research and the EGG ProjectGroup Focused IntentThe Measurement Problem in ScienceHealing with ThoughtPrayerPlacebo EffectMultiple Personality DisordersHypnosisEffect of EnvironmentShamanic Medical PracticeEarth Energy EffectsShifts in AwarenessPrecognitionSynchronicityAltered States of AwarenessNear-Death Experience

Chapter 5 - Metaphysics - The Study of the Intangible World Covers metaphysics and the study of the intangible world. It includes sections on how dualism effects perception; the root of information and knowledge; and how most of what we notice in the world is actually projected from our own memory. This chapter also covers how we incorporate new information and determine meaningfulness and relatedness

Chapter 5 - Metaphysics - The Study of the Intangible WorldMetaphysicsDualism - One Understanding ItselfInformation and KnowledgePerception and ConceptionProjectionExpressing RelationshipsConsciousness - The New Holy Grail

Chapter 6 - Common Roots of Eastern and Western Thought A comparative study in the common roots of both Eastern and Western cultures, which gives insight into understanding how today’s explorations and discoveries are actually the fruit of ancient questions. It also explores the role of symbols in understanding complex, abstract ideas and why we are returning to the use of them

Chapter 6 - Common Roots of Eastern and Western ThoughtOne OriginWestern BasicsEastern BasicsSymbols and Mathematics

Chapter 7 - Sound, Light and Time Covers the topics of sound, light and time as these are key ingredients into future understandings concerning our move into the age of vibration. The chapter explores how each topic has historically been used in both the rational sciences and the intuitive arts.

Chapter 8 - Physics - The Study of the Material World Explains physics and the study of the material world in layman’s terms. Sections include topics on fields and forces, phase states of matter and holograms. Each topic has simple analogies with common, everyday type examples to help illustrate the points being brought forward.

Chapter 9 - Waves Defines the different types of waves including light waves and quantum waves and how waves interact to create patterns such as a hologram. Sections also include all known phases of matter and defines the special phase of ultimate coherence

Chapter 10 - Cosmology - The Study of the Infinitely Large Explores the universe and shows how Einstein's theories challenged Newtonian models and revolutionized our understanding of space, time and spacetime. There is also a section on the zero point field as it relates to cosmology.

Chapter 10 - Cosmology - The Study of the Infinitely LargeGravityAstronomyTelescopesBlack Holes and White HolesRelativity in CosmologyCheating InfinityThe Zero Point Field in Cosmology

Chapter 11 - Quantum Physics - The Study of the Infinitely Small Delves into quantum physics and demystifies the mind-boggling concepts this new science presents. You’ll understand why it has impacted every other branch of science and the controversial nature of what its theories imply. Sections include faster-than-light travel; parallel universes; Chaos Theory; and String Theory. This chapter also discusses the importance of treating information as a fundamental element

Chapter 11 - Quantum Physics - The Study of the Infinitely SmallCausation and CausalityHow Quantum Physics BeganLiving in the Shadows - Back to Plato’s CaveThe Great Debates – Wave/Particle Duality and the Observer’s RoleOne Slit or Two? - The Wave/Particle ExperimentThe Particle Zoo - Not Seeing is BelievingNon-locality - Spooky Action at a Distance and EntanglementYes, No, Maybe – Schrödinger’s Cat and the Demise of CertaintyDimensions - The Different TypesParallel Universes and the Multi-verseM Theory - Strings and ThingsThe Holomovement of David BohmChaos TheoryThe Zero Point Field in Quantum PhysicsInformation as a Fundamental ElementGeometrical Models of Space and Time

Chapter 12 - Medicine Explores the role and purpose of medicine and gives briefson alternative therapies which are gaining popularity. Many of these practices are rooted in ancient traditions, which are being combined with modern therapies.

The next few days I will be sharing a great deal of information with you on a new book by MaAnna Stephenson, The Sage Age. Today I will cover a bio on MaAna, a brief synopsis of the book and my review of it. Over the next few days, there will be excerpts for you to enjoy-and ponder. We will also cover chapter summaries, as this is one book that contains a wealth of information. Let's explore...

Author of The Sage Age – Blending Science with Intuitive Wisdom

While currently known as a visionary thinker and new author, MaAnna Stephenson is a true Renaissance woman. From an early age she was exposed to a myriad of influences including her father's engineering and artistic endeavors, her maternal line of intuitives, and an intrinsic fascination with sound and music. Born in the small town of Humboldt, Tennessee, MaAnna began her journey as the youngest of three children with a huge age gap between her siblings and herself. Constant inclusion in the world of adults led to an early maturity and perhaps a different view of the world than most children experience – especially with the special gifts of the adults in her family. None of it was lost on young MaAnna. "My mother was also an intuitive, as were all the women in my immediate family. Having psychic senses was quite normal and the information derived from these methods was respected and adhered to. I became accustomed quite early to the fact that there were things - forces and powers - which could not be measured with a ruler but were just as real as anything I could see or touch."

An additional gift was bestowed by her paternal grandmother – the gift of music. Time spent at the organ with her grandmother, who was well known for her passion for music, ignited a flame in MaAnna as well. By the time she was a teenager, she was already a multi-instrumentalist and composer, exploring sounds and techniques with special interest in how they affected listeners spiritually and emotionally. Her advanced education continued this line of exploration as she attended Jackson State Community College and Lambuth University concurrently, double majoring in Music and Acoustics with a special apprenticeship at a local recording studio as a sound engineer.

MaAnna transferred to Jackson Area Vocational and Technical School, acquiring a degree in Electronics. This led to a prestigious job offer and subsequent move to Dallas, TX in 1984. She continued her work in sound engineering and music with several international hits to her credit.

After a decade in the big city, she accepted a field assignment in Nashville, TN where she has resided since. It was in Nashville that she began her writing career with a short story triggering what she calls "soul memories." In response to her experience, MaAnna began her self-education in the fields of technical, scientific and New Age thought, exploring ancient mysticism and the rational sciences with equal emphasis. After a five-year preparation period, she was initiated as a shamanka. Her training for this initiation further contributed to her education process as she continued her studies in reconciling the rational sciences and the intuitive arts. This process has culminated in the writing of the newly released "The Sage Age – Blending Science with Intuitive Wisdom".

While maintaining this intense pace, MaAnna has somehow found time to feed her inner artist, working in stained glass, wood carving and, of course, continuing to indulge her love of music. A member of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, she considers herself a "bridge builder" as well as an artist, composer, scholar and author. Her current focus on "new models for new thought" is leading her to develop interactive classes that continue to explore the concepts in "The Sage Age".

The Sage Age – Book Synopsis Combining the knowledge of physics with intuitive practice is no small task. The two disciplines often use the same words to mean entirely different things. Written for the seeker with more than a casual interest, The Sage Age – Blending Science with Intuitive Wisdom demystifies complex ideas with intelligent analogies and examples designed to appeal to both the scientist and the natural intuitive.

Four years in the writing, this expansive new work combines knowledge from the physical sciences and the intuitive arts to present a visionary perspective that harmonizes these diverse disciplines into one body of knowledge.

With a well-researched approach to its subjects, The Sage Age covers a broad range of material from ancient to modern thought, frontier science and current intuitive practice to deliver a depth and breadth of understanding that culminates in a holistic perspective for our time.

Living up to its mantra of "new models for new thought," The Sage Age is certain to be a catalyst for dialogue and is destined to be a major work in its field.

My Review

The fields of science and the intuitive arts are normally divided widely. Each normally sees the other as lacking somehow. MaAnna Stephenson agrees. In The Sage Age, MaAnna shows how both extremes are actually very much part of the whole. As Ms. Stephenson's words emerged, I felt as though I was witnessing an intricate dance between science and intuition-they came together and parted, only to return to each other again and again, each step choregraphed by the Universe to bring out the best in each.

The Sage Age is definitely not a light read. While MaAna explains complicated topics in a way that makes them easy to understand, the book covers so much you need to take your time, re-reading sections and allowing the words to play out within your mind. I experienced many "a-ha" moments as I read. I can only imagine the wonders we could create if everyone understood the concepts that reside between the covers of this book.

When Isha finds out the baby she is carrying is a girl, she fears the reaction of her in-laws. Girl children are not acceptable in their eyes, or that of the doctor, who suggests she have an abortion rather than give birth to the a second female child. When Isha refuses, she has little idea just how drastically her life is about to change. Just how far will some people go to see that Isha does not "disgrace" her in-laws name? Who all is involved and why has nothing been done to stop the selective abortions that are taking place regularly? Can Isha make it on her own? Will her efforts to expose the truth result in her losing everything she lives for? Who can she trust with her secret, life and heart?

Shobhan Bantwal takes her readers into a world most of us can't even imagine. I continually had to remind myself that this story was not taking place in some long ago dark age, but instead in modern times. It tore at my heart to know that in some parts of the world, female children are still considered unwelcome--to the point of actually being killed rather thanloved and cherished as they should be.

It is obvious that Shoban Bantwal knows her subject and the country of which she writes. She doesn't pad the pages with a lot of fluff, but instead uses every word to draw her reader in--and make them care for her characters. The only thing that kept me from reading this book in one sitting was my eyes giving out--but I found myself dreaming of the characters. Before I finished, I had not only cried, but found myself angry and wishing I knew how to stop this archaic practice.

You can't read The Forbidden Daughter with no emotion. It is considered women's fiction, but I would suggest any man who cares also read it--he won't be disappointed by the depth explored by Ms. Bantwal. I can see this book being made into a movie.

I think most people would describe me as extroverted, outspoken, and intelligent-a woman of too many words and strong opinions. But I always feel people give me more credit than I deserve for smartness and efficiency. Deep down, I feel very inadequate and afraid I'll never live up to their expectations.

3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

My family is my passion-mainly my husband, daughter, and granddaughter. They are my whole life and I often worry about their health and their futures.

4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.

I'm not a pet lover, so I have no pets, although my husband adores dogs and would love to have one.

5. What is your most precious memory?

My most precious memory is of holding my grandchild for the first time. It was only last year, but already it feels like such a long time ago, because she's already walking and talking. Somehow, grandchildren feel more precious than children, perhaps because I'm older and wiser now than when I became a mother many years ago.

6. What is your most embarrassing memory?

Some years ago, at a large New Year's Eve party at a friend's house, I slipped and fell on the slick tiled kitchen floor, right in front of several people. Of course, they were very solicitous and kind, but secretly I believe they thought I was drunk. I hadn't had a drop of alcohol because I don't enjoy it. All evening long I had nursed one glass of coke, but I still think people thought I'd had too much to drink. A few of them kept looking at me suspiciously. To this day I recall that episode and my cheeks get warm.

7. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

Actually, writing is only a hobby for me, which has somehow turned into a second career. My full-time job is with the government, so I'm a bureaucrat all day, five days a week. I put on my writer's hat on weekends and weekday evenings. Most often, I struggle to make the time to write, because my day job can be quite demanding.

8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

Shobhan Bantwal was a woman of great courage. With no experience of any kind, or any visible talent, she took up writing at the age of 50. A half century of living had apparently failed to teach her that merely dreaming of something does not necessarily guarantee success. The amazing thing was that Shobhan did dream of becoming a published writer and did manage to succeed (to some extent). Despite rejections earlier in her quest for an agent and publisher, she managed to find both at 54. She was a bit crazy but she died a happy woman.

One thing can be said about Shobhan: she was passionate about everything she took up, her family being her main project in life. She loved them with no expectations in return.

Shobhan BantwalThe Writer:

9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

When I started to write short stories I wasn't very confident that my tales with Indian characters and cultural elements would be of interest to anyone. But my first short story competition entry, sponsored by Writer's Digest, won Honorable Mention. That same year, another story won Honorable Mention in a contest run by New York Stories magazine. That was the moment when I realized that I had some potential, and that I could perhaps write a full-length novel.

10. What is going on with your writing these days?

I'm working on my third novel, because Kensington, my publisher, offered me another two-book contract. I am not allowed to discuss its theme at this time, but I can safely say it will be a story about Indian culture and features mostly Indian characters. I prefer to stick to what I know.

11. What are your future goals for your writing?

Since I have a fairly demanding day job, I prefer to think in terms of one book at a time. Anything beyond that is much too ambitious, given the constraints on my time and energy.

12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

I don't have a typical day. Each day is different. However, on weekday evenings, I generally get about an hour of writing done after dinner. On weekends, I get slightly more time, but housework and the daily demands of running a household and socializing cut into weekends as well. But I try to pack as much writing as I can into my weekends.

13. Why do you write?

I have a lot of ideas and stories swirling in my brain. I have to vent those, and if I can express my opinions on certain social issues that bother me (remember I'm opinionated), then weaving them into fiction and making a story out of a real social-political issue is a great way to say what I want. Also, Indian culture is very rich, with plenty of fodder for fiction, and I try to draw from it as much as I can. Educate, Inform, and Entertain are my main reasons for writing.

14. What writer most inspires you? Why?

Although she is not my absolute favorite writer, Nora Roberts inspires me greatly, mainly for her prolific writing. She literally churns out books by the dozen each year, and good quality ones, a feat no other author seems to be able to emulate. And every book turns into a bestseller. She is truly amazing, and an inspiration to many writers, including me.

15. How do you define your writing?

I call it mainstream women's fiction with romantic and ethnic elements.

16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

Great entertainment with a delightful dose of spice, romance, and drama.

Shobhan BantwalThe Details:

17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?

I'm not a blogger by nature but I have a nice website, with information on my books, my other writing, links to my non-fiction articles, my bio and award-winning short stories, Indian recipes, photographs from India, book reviews, and contact page. The website is http://www.shobhanbantwal.com/

Both are available at all nationwide and Canadian bookstores and online booksellers.

20. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

They can expect to read very entertaining mainstream fiction filled with drama, intrigue, and romance, and at the same time learn a lot about Indian culture and some hot-button social issues that are significant in contemporary India. I get a lot of email from readers who thank me for opening their eyes to certain issues that they had no knowledge of. They always tell me they found the idea of using a real life social issue combined with fiction a great way to bring it to people's attention.

In conclusion:

21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?

I love receiving feedback from my readers. Hence I have created a contact address on my website where they can reach me (indicated in question 18).

My writing, as I mentioned, is to educate, entertain and inform, so I hope they pick up my books so they can have all three. Not many American and Canadian readers are aware of the real India, which lies somewhere between the glitz and glamour of Bollywood (Bombay Hollywood) and the poverty and bleakness portrayed in documentaries and serious literary novels about India. In my books, readers can get a middle-of-the-road glimpse of Indian life.